Lt Col Paiko, others dealt with insurgents before falling – Army
The Nigerian Army has said that the late Commanding Officer 202 Battalion, Lt Col Abdullaahi Saidu Paiko, and other gallant soldiers had decisively dealt with the Boko Haram insurgents before falling in the line of duty. Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, stated this when he paid […]
The Nigerian Army has said that the late Commanding Officer 202 Battalion, Lt Col Abdullaahi Saidu Paiko, and other gallant soldiers had decisively dealt with the Boko Haram insurgents before falling in the line of duty.
Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, stated this when he paid the last respect to the gallant officer and soldiers in Maiduguri, on Wednesday.
He said the deceased served the nation with unwavering dedication and honour, but were all called to eternal rest, on 17 October 2025.
“They fought with valour, side by side with their commander, upholding the finest traditions of the Nigerian Army. Their collective sacrifice will never be forgotten. They exemplified what it means to serve with honour. Men who, in the face of danger, stood firm and refused to yield, even unto death.
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“Today, we are gathered with a heavy heart, to pay our last respect to one of our own, a gallant senior officer, a brilliant mind and a patriot, Lt Col Abdullaahi Saidu Paiko, the Commanding Officer 202 Battalion, and other gallant soldiers who served the nation with unwavering dedication and honour, but all called to eternal rest on 17 October 2025 after a fierce battle with terrorists where they decisively dealt with the insurgents before falling in the line of duty for country.
“We cannot question the will of the Almighty God. Their passing is not only a great loss to their families and loved ones, but also to the AFN, Nigerian Army, the Theatre, and indeed the entire nation they so selflessly served with unwavering dedication.
“Before the late Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Saidu Paiko’s demise, he was a courageous commander, a dedicated leader, and a selfless patriot. He led from the front and inspired his troops with exceptional bravery and professionalism. His leadership at 202 Battalion was marked by discipline, commitment, and empathy,” he said.
“He embodied the very best values of the military profession, discipline, respect, duty and service. His operational acumen, calm under pressure, and tactical foresight stood out in numerous engagements against the insurgents,” he said.
He sympathised with families of all the deceased, stressing that their loved ones did not die in vain.
The sorrowful ceremony held at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, was attended by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, who represented Governor Babagana Zulum.